Beautiful

  ***

  “Mr. Townsin, I’m trying to tell you that this idea is not going to work. If you go back to your boss and tell him that is what you want to do, don’t put my stamp on it. In fact, I will make sure to call Thomas before you even leave this building, and make sure he knows this is not my recommendation.” Tierra explained.

  “We have to cut money going out in order to save money coming in, Mrs. Rodriquez,” Mr. Townsin said, looking at his watch.

  “I’m sorry, are you late for something?” she was annoyed he had looked at his watch again for the fifth time.

  “Actually yes, I am,” he replied. “I should be at prayer right now. I’ve never missed prayer for work before. Look, I’m sorry. This may sound crazy to you, but…”

  Tierra looked at her watch, and realized she too was late for prayer. Terri had come in to say goodnight several hours ago, but the two of them were in the midst of a heated debate, so Terri just closed the door.

  “No, you’re right. Actually, I am late as well.”

  “For church… you, you go to church?” he leaned back in his chair and looked at her with skeptically, as he asked.

  “Yes I do? Why does that surprise you?”

  “I must admit it does. When I met you before, I would have not thought you were a Christian woman.”

  “Well I wouldn’t have considered myself one either, not then. I had only been to this church a couple of times. God is still molding me. But Mr. Townsin, let me ask you a question, how is a corporate, Christian woman supposed to behave? This is a cutthroat industry. As a woman, if I’m too nice I’ll be eaten for dinner. If I’m too straight edged, then I’m considered a Bitch and my newfound Christ like qualities can’t shine through. So what do I do?”

  Mr. Townsin paused before responding, “I don’t know the answer to that one, Mrs. Rodriquez. But I see your point.”

  “By the way, its Ms. Rodriquez, I’m not married, never have been. You can call Terri tomorrow to set up an appointment for next week. We can finish this then, Ok?”

  They both gathered their belongings and walked to the elevator. At the ground floor, Mr. Townsin headed out the building and hailed a taxi as Tierra’s driver pulled up.

  “Mr. Townsin, where are your prayer services held?”

  “Family Church.”

  “Really? Come on, that’s where I’m headed.” Small world for sure, she thought, remembering Mr. Martinez words.

  What is this I’m feeling?